Harper tells Tories, 'the economy is still job one'

There was no mention of the Idle No More movement Wednesday when Prime Minister Stephen Harper outlined his priorities for the next session of Parliament, telling the Conservative Party caucus that its priorities remain focused on the economy.

Addressing the Conservative Party caucus in Ottawa this morning, Harper said it has been seven years since "Canadians placed their trust in this government.

"And to that trust we have been faithful and have kept our promises," he said, highlighting more than 900,000 net new jobs created in Canada during that time.

"These are overwhelmingly good, well-paying, full-time, private-sector jobs," he said, touting Canada having "the best job creation record in the G7."

"Our Conservative Party is the family party," he said, pointing to the Universal Childcare Benefit as an example.

Referring to his government’s emphasis on highlighting and commemorating nation-building events from Canadian history, Harper said: "These milestones remind us of a proud national story rooted in the great deeds of our ancestors and in a centuries-old constitutional legacy of freedom.

"We can look back with pride and forward with confidence as part of a Canada standing tall. The best country in the world."

Yet, despite his government's points of pride, Harper said challenges remain. And whatever happens, he made it clear that the economy stands as the Tories' top priority.

"We as a government will never forget that the key to the hopes and dreams of Canadians is the prosperity of this land. So hear me on this, my friends," he said. "For you, for me, for all of us, the economy is still job one."

In that light, the prime minister said his government would remain focused on its "Economic Action Plan" to create jobs and grow the economy.